Promises & Reunions

“Harry, is it a good idea to be off meeting McGonagall when the Last Rites plant is arriving? Shouldn’t you be there?”

Harry paused to think about Ginny’s question. He had sent a reply to Professor McGonagall agreeing they should meet, and she had immediately responded with a time and place. They had just emerged from the Floo in the back room of Fred and George’s shop, and were preparing to Apparate to the meeting spot. “No, I think it’s okay,” Harry said finally. “Neville’s in charge, and he knows what he’s doing. Fred and George will be there to help, and so will Dobby and Winky. And Hermione will be around in case there’s an emergency. Honestly, I think I’d just get in the way – I’m barely average at Herbology.”

“Huh. I seem to recall you got an ‘E’ on your Herbology OWL,” Ginny said sardonically. “I just think you’re scared of the plant.”

“Good to know you have confidence in me,” Harry retorted, and Ginny grinned. “Come on, let’s go.”

Harry and Ginny appeared in an alley in London proper. Stepping out onto the main street, they walked around the corner and found themselves standing in front of a very fancy restaurant. They had dressed in muggle clothes, but the disdainful look from the Maitre d inside made it clear that their jeans and plain shirts were below the restaurant’s usual standards. However, when Harry mumbled about it to Ginny, her jaw stiffened and she marched straight through the door, Harry trailing behind. When she reached the Maitre d she looked up at the tall man and said with a voice full of hauteur, “We are here to have lunch with Minerva McGonagall. Has she arrived yet?”

With a slightly startled look, the Maitre d consulted his list, and seemed even more shocked to find the name actually there. “Indeed she has,” he said woodenly. “If you would follow Marcelo here…”

Harry and Ginny followed the waiter to a quiet corner where they found McGonagall seated comfortably at a table, sipping from a wine glass. She looked up and smiled a bit guardedly as Harry and Ginny sat and took their menus. “Would you care for a drink to start?” the waiter asked.

“Er…just water for now, thanks,” Harry said, and Ginny asked for the same.

When the waiter walked off, McGonagall nodded shortly. “I was expecting just you, Potter,” she said. “Not that I mind, but-”

“Wait,” Ginny said, cutting her off. “Harry?”

She nudged Harry with her hand under the table, and when Harry felt the wood of her wand he realized what she meant. “Professor,” he said to McGonagall, “do you remember the night when you found Colin Creevey Petrified, the year the Chamber of Secrets was reopened?”

Ginny shuddered slightly at the mention of the Chamber. McGonagall quirked an eyebrow at her former students. “Yes, of course I do.”

“When you brought him into the hospital wing, and you found that the film in his camera was melted, you asked Dumbledore what it could mean. How did he respond?”

Now McGonagall’s expression was impressed; she’d quickly cottoned on. “He said it meant that our students were no longer safe. It was as we’d feared; that the Chamber had been opened again.” Harry relaxed slightly, and Ginny did as well when she saw Harry’s reaction. “I suppose we should have made certain you were actually asleep. So, Potter…when Dolores Umbridge sent you to my office at the beginning of her year at Hogwarts, she had given you a full week’s worth of detention. What was my reaction?”

Harry nodded. “You said I had to be careful, and reminded me where Umbridge came from and who she was reporting to. And,” he said, grinning, “you offered me a biscuit.”

“Very good.” McGonagall smiled fully, a very uncharacteristic expression. “That was well done, Potter. I am very relieved to see you, and you as well, Ms. Weasley. I hadn’t expected two of you.”

“Yeah, well…it’s not likely I’ll be leaving Harry’s side from now on, Professor,” Ginny said a bit sheepishly.

McGonagall peered intently at Ginny. “And why is that? I would think your parents might have something to say about it.”

“Not anymore,” Ginny replied. “They no longer have any say over what I do.”

“How can that possibly be, Ms. Weasley? If I recall correctly you’ve just turned sixteen. And-” She paused, and her expression softened. “And considering what happened to your poor brother, some…hmm, dramatic behavior from Molly would hardly be unexpected.”

“We’ve had enough ‘dramatic behavior’ from Mrs. Weasley to last a lifetime, Professor,” Harry responded. “And the reason she has no more say is that Ginny and I…we’re married now.”

“Married?” McGonagall couldn’t possibly have been more dumbfounded. “But- but how on earth-? You can’t possibly have gotten parental consent!”

Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance. Ginny decided to tell the exact truth; “We had an official form of consent, signed by my dad. By now it’s on file with the Ministry.”

McGonagall looked like she had an idea the document might not have been exactly legal, but she didn’t comment. “Hmm. Well, congratulations, I suppose. I look forward to dealing with Molly growing increasingly furious. I certainly hope you know what you’re doing.”

“So do we,” Harry agreed, and grinned a bit when Ginny nudged him hard with her elbow. “Professor, I’m sorry I didn’t stay in contact with you after leaving Hogwarts. I should have known you’d want to keep track of me…you’ve always been great about helping keep me safe, and I- well, it was really rude of me. Sorry.”

“I daresay we can dispense with the ‘Professor’ now,” McGonagall said with a wry look. “And there’s no need to apologize; you seem to have done a fine job of keeping yourself safe.”

“Er…what should we call you if not Professor?” Ginny asked hesitantly.

“I believe you’re aware that my given name is Minerva.”

“What? You want us to call you by your first name?” Harry gasped.

“Of course.” Minerva leaned forward and steepled her hands together. “Mr. Potter – that is, Harry – I am no longer our teacher. I believe that in the six years I’ve known you, you have more than earned the right to greet me as a friend. You have always shown me respect; don’t think I haven’t noticed. And what is friendship if not the result of mutual respect? You yourself have quite earned my respect, by exemplifying the finest traits of a true Gryffindor. That goes for you as well, Miss Weasley…or should I say, Mrs. Potter.”

Ginny blushed. “Thank you…M-Minerva,” she muttered.

“I- I don’t know what to say.” Harry smiled. “Thanks, Prof- er, Minerva. That might take some getting used to, though.”

“I should think so,” Minerva agreed with a twitch of her lips. “Now, shall we move on to why we’re here?”

“What? Oh, right,” Harry replied, shaking off his surprise. “Do you have the box with you?”

“I do.” Glancing around as though nervous that someone was spying on them, Minerva drew a small object out of her pocket and placed it on the table in front of Harry.

Harry and Ginny looked over to see; much to their surprise, it appeared to be a chest very similar to Harry’s school chest, but so tiny it would fit into the palm of his hand. “This is it?” Harry said incredulously. “It’s so small!”

“I shrank it to make bringing it along easier,” Minerva told him with an amused look. “The Finite Incantatem Spell will return it to its normal size.”

“Oh…right,” Harry said, embarrassed.

“I should tell you, Pott- Harry, that I attempted to open the chest – only to make certain it was the one Albus intended for you, of course – and was completely unable to. Albus has clearly Charmed it, and did not leave instructions with me. You may find that you are stuck with a sealed chest.”

“No, Dumbledore told me how to open it,” Harry said distractedly, and then paled as he realized what he’d said.

“Albus told you how to open the box?” Minerva repeated in shock. “Before he died?”

Harry winced. “No…I’m sorry, Professor, I didn’t want to-” He sighed. “I kept a secret from you. I visited Hogwarts…Merlin, was that just yesterday? It was. And I snuck into the Headmaster’s office to speak to Dumbledore’s portrait. That’s how I found out you were holding the box for me.”

Minerva gave a surprised smirk. “Would that have anything to do with Alistor’s suddenly knowing to contact you through Fred and George Weasley’s shop?”

“Yeah. He and Hagrid saw me – I forgot Moody could see through my Invisibility Cloak.”

“I see. Well, and was your return to Hogwarts fruitful?”

“Er…kind of. The best thing I found out was that you had this box for me.”

“Well, why didn’t you come to see me and get the box then?”

"I got a signal from- well, something happened and I had to leave quickly,” Harry said evasively. “Besides, I didn’t want to interrupt the Order. I thought this would be better if the fewest people possible knew about it.”

Minerva’s sharp eyes darted from Harry to Ginny and back again. “The both of you are up to something,” she said finally. “I’m sure Hermione is helping you, and Ron was, before the attack. What is it you are doing?”

Ginny, who’d been silent for a long time, finally spoke; “We really can’t tell you, Pr- Minerva. Listen, you know all those things you do for the Order are really important, right?” Minerva nodded shortly. “Well, what we’re doing is far bigger, and Voldemort can’t ever find out about it. And every member of the Order is a huge target. If any of you knew, and were captured and tortured for information…”

“You’re continuing what you started with Dumbledore, then?” Minerva asked Harry, already clearly knowing the answer. Harry nodded. “Hmph. Oh well, I never doubted that Albus had his reasons for keeping some things secret from the Order. I see no reason to doubt that decision now – nor that the significance of your actions are as great as you say. Albus clearly thought they were.” She caught Harry’s eyes with her own. “I am still very concerned for you, Harry, if not as a teacher than as a friend. If the Order can help you in any way, please contact me, either of you, and Hermione as well, and I will see to it that we do everything we can.”

“We will,” Ginny assured her.

“Thanks,” Harry added. “Er…actually, there is something you can do. Two things, really.”

“And what is that?”

“Do you have any Polyjuice Potion?”

“Polyjuice!” Ginny stared at Harry. “Harry, we’re-” she cut herself off before she revealed more than she’d intended.

“What on earth do you need Polyjuice Potion for?” Minerva asked.

“It’s- I can’t tell you,” Harry said. “Sorry. I promise we won’t use it for anything but to help us in the fight.”

“I hope you’re aware that transforming through Polyjuice is very unpleasant, Harry,” Minerva said. “It’s quite painful.”

“I know. I’ve, um…taken Polyjuice before.” “You never told me that!” Ginny exclaimed.

“Well, it was a long time ago!”

“How long?” Minerva asked shrewdly.

“Er…it was my second year at Hogwarts,” Harry admitted, going a bit red. “Ron and I transformed into Crabbe and Goyle to try to find out if Malfoy was opening the Chamber of Secrets.”

“Hmm. I suppose that Hermione brewed the Potion?” Minerva’s lip twitched when Harry nodded. “Even after over forty years of teaching, I’m still astounded by what students have gotten away with. You were unbelievably lucky, Harry. Be grateful Hermione is so skilled at Potions…the effects of taking an improperly-brewed Polyjuice Potion are extremely horrific.” Harry nodded with his head still down. “I do indeed have some Polyjuice Potion available, but in small quantities.”

“That’s all right…I just need enough for a few hours for now, and Hermione’s brewing some more. It just won’t be ready for another couple of weeks, and there’s something I need it for sooner. Ginny, I’ll tell you about it later.”

“Right,” Ginny agreed reluctantly, looking a bit put out that she’d never heard about Harry’s experience with Polyjuice.

“I shall send a small vial of Polyjuice as soon as I return to Hogwarts,” Minerva said. “It should reach you early this evening. What was the other thing the Order could aid you with?”

“Oh, yeah…it would be really helpful if you could tell us about Voldemort’s activities. I know you have to be hearing more than even the Ministry.”

“We are, and I can certainly provide you with information about his movements,” Minerva agreed. “Hmm…am I to infer from your request that you are getting information from within the Ministry already? Wait,” she added quickly, cutting Harry off. “I think it’s probably best if I didn’t know, come to think of it.”

“Probably,” Harry said, and Ginny chuckled.

“Well, I shall include a few parchments of information when I send the Polyjuice.”

“Thank you,” Harry said fervently. There was a moment of awkward silence. “Umm…Pr- Minerva? Can I ask you something personal?”

“You may.”

“I know that you were close to Dumbledore,” Harry began tentatively. “And after what happened…” He swallowed down some tears. “I- I can’t help wondering if I’d done something wrong. Like if I’d just been a bit quicker, or worked things out a bit sooner… then maybe Dumbledore would still be here. I know I shouldn’t – Dumbledore’s portrait as much as said so – but I can’t help feeling like…like I f-failed him.”

“No, Harry,” Minerva said with a sad smile. “You did many things for Albus: you awed him, inspired him, shocked him, and yes, I’m certain you probably in some way disappointed him. But one thing you never did was fail him. It does no good to second-guess, Harry. There’s simply no knowing if a choice which seems wrong now will prove to be right later. Mistakes of the past often place our feet firmly on the road to victory.”

“Albus was the wisest man I ever met. I can’t help but believe that every moment of his life – including his death – had a powerful intent and purpose that we have simply not yet discerned. Someday, hopefully very soon, it will all become clear, and you will no longer have to doubt that you succeeded beyond Albus’ greatest hopes.”

After a mildly awkward goodbye, Harry and Ginny slipped out of the restaurant (without having eaten) and around the corner, where they Apparated to the back room of Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes. When they appeared, Lee Jordan was pulling some products off the shelves and leapt back with a startled gasp; boxes scattered everywhere, and Lee’s wand appeared in his hand instantly. “Sorry, Lee,” Harry said as Ginny headed to the fireplace, chuckling.

“Bloody hell, we need to find another way to do this,” Lee muttered, his heart still pounding. “Isn’t there another fireplace we could use? Having just one isn’t smart anyway!”

Harry paused, his hand full of Floo powder. “You’re right, Lee, I hadn’t thought of that,” he agreed. “This is convenient because so many of us supposedly sleep upstairs. But I’ll start looking for another fireplace that’s safe tomorrow.”

“Maybe then I won’t get the piss scared out of me three or four times a day,” Lee muttered.

Back at the House of Black, Ginny and Harry quickly tracked down Hermione, who was in the basement working on some potions with Pansy. The three of them headed up to the conference room and shut themselves in. “Did we miss anything?” Harry asked. “How’s the Last Rites plant, did everything go well?”

“It hasn’t arrived yet,” Hermione said with a disapproving frown. “Mundungus is late.”

“Huh. I’d better say something to him when he does show up,” Harry said, scowling.

“How did it go with Professor McGonagall?” Hermione asked.

“That’s Minerva to you,” Ginny said with a smirk.

Harry and Ginny took turns relaying their meeting to Hermione. When they finished, Hermione let out a long breath. “That’s excellent!” she exclaimed. “Profess- um, Minerva’s willingness to help is going to come in very handy at some point, I’m certain.”

“Probably,” Harry agreed. “But we have to keep in mind that the Order is more vulnerable than us, since Voldemort knows all about it. We have to make sure we don’t accidentally pass them information, just in case it finds its way to Voldemort.” He fished in his pocket and pulled out the shrunken chest. “So here’s what Dumbledore left me about the Horcruxes. Let’s open it now.”

The three of them stood; Harry placed the chest on the floor, pointed his wand at it and incanted “Finite Incantatem!” and the chest swelled to its normal size. Harry then tapped the lid with his wand and said “Horcrux!” and the lid flew open.

The inside was filled with separate compartments; eight, they quickly noticed. “Dumbledore must have separated his information for each Horcrux,” Hermione said logically. “And the final compartment is probably general information. We’ll need to check which compartment is which.”

“Hermione, can we leave you to this for a while?” Harry asked.

Ginny and Hermione both looked at Harry in confusion. “I suppose so, but why?” Hermione asked. “This is very important, Harry, we all need to know as much as possible about the Horcruxes.”

“I know, I’m not trying to avoid it,” Harry told her. “But Ginny and I need to do a few things today.”

“Oh- that’s right,” Ginny said. “I need to send owls to Bill and Charlie, before they get an earful from mum.”

“Hmm. I suppose that would be wise,” Hermione agreed sardonically.

“And we need to go to Gringott’s, too,” Harry added.

“We do? Why?”

“Because I need to tell the goblins to give you access to my vaults- our vaults, and get you your own set of keys,” Harry pointed out.

Ginny’s mouth opened and closed a few times. “I’d forgotten,” she said finally, looking a bit faint.

“How very romantic,” Hermione said, fighting not to laugh at Ginny’s expression. “All right, but be back soon, Harry. I expect a lot of this will make more sense to you, since you worked with Dumbledore on the Horcruxes already.”

“Maybe. I bet it’s going to take a lot of extra research; Dumbledore’s portrait told me that he hadn’t made as much progress with the other Horcruxes as he had with the locket. ‘mione, for now just figure out which compartment is which, and try to get an idea of the extent of Dumbledore’s information. Don’t bother with any more for now; tonight the three of us can start in on it together.”

“All right, that sounds good,” Hermione agreed. “What should I do with the chest when I’m through?”

“Er…” Harry hadn’t thought of that. “Close it again, and see if it seals itself; if it does it should be fine, but if it doesn’t, seal the room until we get back.”

“Right,” said Hermione, and followed Harry and Ginny to the door.

“Oh, one more thing,” Harry said suddenly. “McG- er, Minerva said she’d send an owl with a vial of Polyjuice and some information on Voldemort’s activities. I’m going to tell Fred and George to expect the owl, and when it arrives to bring it to you.”

“Harry, what do you want the Polyjuice for?” Hermione asked quizzically. “Ours is coming along fine…”

“I know, but I had an idea,” Harry told her. “I’ll tell you both about it tonight, but I want to think about it a bit more.”

“But…oh, all right,” Hermione agreed reluctantly, her curiosity clearly frustrating her. “I’ll see you later, then. And be careful!” she called after them.

Harry and Ginny Flooed to the back of Fred and George’s shop. “Lee was right,” Harry said. “We really do need another location to Floo to the house from.”

“What about the Leaky Cauldron?” Ginny asked. “Or the back of Madam Malkin’s?”

“The Leaky Cauldron is too public,” Harry pointed out. “But Madam Malkin’s is possible. We’d have to actually let Madam Malkin know we’re up to something though.”

“Get Alicia to slip Madam Malkin some Veritaserum, and then casually ask her some questions,” Ginny suggested.

“Bloody Hell, Ginny, you’re devious!” Harry exclaimed happily as they walked into the shop.

“I have Fred and George as older brothers,” Ginny pointed out as though it were obvious. “And Bill and Charlie got away with a lot too. Besides, isn’t that what you and Hermione did to Rita Skeeter?”

“Yeah, but Rita deserved it,” Harry said, chuckling.

After stopping to tell Fred and George to expect the owl from McGonagall, Harry and Ginny stepped out into Diagon Alley. Every time they walked down the street it seemed less crowded; more and more wizarding families were going into hiding, fleeing or simply vanishing. Harry tried not to think about it, but the large sign in the window of Flourish & Blotts still proclaiming “Hogwarts booklists not yet available!” made it impossible to ignore. Ginny noticed Harry’s expression when he looked at the sign. “You really miss it, don’t you?” she asked tentatively.

“Yeah…of course I do,” Harry said. “The only two places I ever lived were Hogwarts, and at the Dursleys’ – and our current house, but it’s only been a little while – and there’s just no comparison.” He laughed. “It’s funny, when you think about it. Every single year at Hogwarts I almost died, one way or another - sometimes more than once in a year. But I’d still rather live there than at the Dursleys’. Does that make me a glutton for punishment?”

“No, it means you know where your heart and your loyalties lie,” Ginny corrected gently. “You said it yourself – the Dursleys are your blood but they’re not your family. You were never meant to be in the muggle world, Harry…Hogwarts feels like home because it represents the wizarding world to you, and the wizarding world is your home.”

Harry smiled. “Yeah…you’re right,” he agreed, reaching out and taking Ginny’s hand. “But if you weren’t here with me, then no matter what I did, this still wouldn’t be home.”

When they walked into Gringott’s Harry caught the attention of a passing goblin. “I need to speak to someone about my vaults, and my will. In private.”

“I will find someone to assist you immediately,” the goblin said. “If your friend will wait here, I’ll show you to a private room.”

“I need Ginny to be there; what I need to ask about concerns her.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Potter, but it’s not allowed for matters of security.”

“I’m going with him,” Ginny stated flatly.

“Our policy clearly states-”

“Stuff your policy,” Ginny snapped; she was tired of feeling nervous around the goblins. “I’m going with Harry and you’re not stopping me!”

“I wouldn’t try her,” Harry said casually. “Her bat-bogey hex is vicious.”

With no other choice, the goblin relented and led Harry and Ginny to a private room. Within one minute another goblin appeared and sealed the door behind him. “Welcome, Mr. Potter and…?”

“Ginny Weasley,” Harry stated. “For now. I need to give her access to my vaults-”

“That can always be granted-”

“And her own keys.”

The Goblin didn’t hesitate. “I’m sorry, Mr. Potter, but extra keys can only be given to family members.”

“Ginny is my family,” Harry said, meeting Ginny’s eye. “I assume that anything we say in here will be kept strictly confidential?”

“Of course.”

“Ginny and I married last night.”

The goblin’s eyebrow rose slightly. “I see. Do you have documentation?”

Fortunately Harry had thought to bring a copy of their marriage license. The Goblin studied the parchment very thoroughly before handing it back with a terse “Congratulations. I will need your keys so I can have duplicates made.”

Harry handed over his keys – one for his parent’s vault, and one for the Black family vault. “I also wanted to ask about my will. I was going to think about it, but considering what’s happened…well, I was wondering if I could just do a simple one leaving everything to Ginny, except a few specific exceptions.”

“Certainly. Since you are married you will need to have a joint will. We have basic wills prepared for such situations; I will bring one back with your keys, but you will need witnesses.”

“Oh, bloody hell, I forgot!” Harry exclaimed, angry at himself.

“Forget it, Harry. We’ll get Hermione and Neville to come back with us tomorrow,” Ginny suggested, and Harry nodded his agreement.

It took about twenty minutes for them to duplicate Harry’s keys – not an easy task since the magical protections on the keys had to be stripped, and then reapplied to both the originals and the duplicates. The goblins presented Harry and Ginny with their copies and assured them that from now on, either of them could access the vaults. Then they took a trip down to the Black vault to withdraw some Galleons. Harry filled two sacks until they were almost overflowing, and handed one to Ginny. “Might as well get used to it,” he said with a grin.

When they got back to the surface, Harry and Ginny arranged to return the following day with witnesses to make Harry’s and Ginny’s will. Satisfied they had accomplished what they needed, Harry and Ginny stepped out of Gringott’s and found themselves face to face with Arthur Weasley.